updated 05:10 pm EST, Wed March 7, 2007

Precision Studio 1.5

Vivox today released Precision Studio 1.5, extending the integrated voice communications software to Mac OS X 10.4 and adding several new features. The update brings voice recording capability, voice fonts, a customer administration portal, enhanced channel management, and improved user self-support tools. "This update was designed and built based on input from our customers, the developers of online games," said Monty Sharma, vice president of product marketing and management at Vivox. "It will allow developers to make voice more immersive, improve security and control, and enhance their players' in-world experiences. Our product development goal is to stay on the cutting edge of communications tools that power safer and more immersive games." Vivox is showcasing Precision Studio 1.5 at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) March 7-9 in Booth 959 in the West Hall of the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco.

Voice recording

Release 1.5 includes APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that allow users to record active audio channels on demand, improving user security by deterring anti-social behavior and documenting such behavior for subsequent action when warranted.

Voice fonts

Game developers can create voice modifications using voice fonts that are custom tailored to physiological and environmental inputs that are unique to their world. The inputs create voice alterations to match a player's race, species, size, or add an effect like a dungeon echo or simulated static from a radio or space communication system.

Stealth monitoring: Game Masters (GMs) can covertly monitor voice chat in real-time to ensure a positive player experience for all levels.

Channel security: Vivox has added additional support functionality to control access to channels from within a game or from an out-of-game client, including an upgraded Access Control List (ACL) to permit access to defined channels for designated players as well as password protection.

Enhanced user self-support tools

The update includes automated diagnostic and troubleshooting tools that provide solutions to infrequent user problems, which aims to minimize the impact on customer support resources, according to Vivox.